I wonder if I should swap out my new Osprey Levity 48 for the 60 L.  Right now, I am not planning on any thru hikes but who knows?  Also, I may be using in bear country where a bear container is required.  So is it worth the extra 4.5 ozs and the money?  If I want to do a 10 day hike, perhaps the extra load would be required.  What do you folks think? ... View more

NEMO HORNET 1 footprints are often hard to get.  Anyone have any suggestions for a substitute?  ... View more

Hi folks-   I have been stuck in Asia for the past 6 months due to COVID-19.  In truth, I've been in Asia for the past 25 years but that's besides the point.  Anyway, I decided to return to the US and wanted to get back into hiking and camping.  In a previous lifetime, I did lots of the Long Trail in Vermont, the AT in North Carolina and Virginia and a couple of stellar trips in the Sierras with my late brother.  So I ordered a bunch of stuff from you and had it delivered to North Carolina.   I changed the direction of my plans and have decided to go light.  Therefore I need to exchange bothe a sleeping bag and a pack.  It will be cutting it close - I had intended to be back in September but the Thai government's flight restrictions killed that.  Now I will (we hope) returning about 5 or 6 days within the year deadline.  But, of course, everything could be screwed up again if my flight gets canceled once again.  We'll just have to see.  So, assuming I can make it in, do I just take the stuff I want to return to the REI store in Cary NC (close to where I will be staying) and they can do it there?  I kind of know what the replacement stuff will be and can just swap it over I imagine.  The replacement stuff is a bit more expensive so there's that.    Anyway, wish me like and hope to see you in a couple of months.    Dwightet ... View more

Hi folks, I will be returning to the US in December and will be driving from the East Coast to the West Coast and camping along the way.  Initially, I had planned to come back in September but COVID-19 stopped that as my airline ticket from Bangkok (where I live) got cancelled.  So I am now set for December.     So, I'd like some advice from folks as to where you suggest I go.  I won't be dealing with snow so the northern route so those lovely mountains - the Rockies, GT, the Sierras will be missed on this trip but I plan to visit and camp and hike (short 2 or 3 day stays) as I work myself westward.  I am looking at Big Bend National Park, Lincoln National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Joshua Tree for starters.  I will work my way up the West Coast as far as Seattle so will take a peek at Olympic National Park, again, avoiding snow. Any other suggestions?  I'm open to all kinds of snow free ideas.  I will have 6 or 7 weeks so not in any hurry..   Thanks   Dwight ... View more

After a few years, I am getting back into backpacking (now that I'm retired) and need some current updates as to stoves.  Previously I used a Primus stove (which is now long gone) and packed the fuel in in bottles.  Now I see stove using propane are pretty popular.  What is the current view of you folks out there as the best, lightest options for stove.  Imagine a 10 day trip with no possible hope of resupply.  And, specifically, what stove in the REI store do you recommend.  I have my eye on the Soto Amicu Stove cookset.     Thanks, all!  ... View more

I am getting back (in a limited way) into hiking and backpacking - it's been a while and I am not inexperienced - I've explored the Mineral Spring area in the Sierra Nevada range, quite a bit of the AT in North Carolina, Virginia, Vermont and New Hampshire (and a fair bit of the Long Trail in Vermont, north of where the AT cuts off and heads east).   But that was a long time ago.  I am surely older now, in my 70s, in reasonably good shape and would like some suggestions where you folks  recommend.  One week-10 days in is about right as well as a few short trips.  Anywhere is fine - I am basically retired now (stuck overseas because of this damned COVID19 problem)  Looking for good suggestions, anywhere.  Not terribly tough.     ... View more

I am currently stuck in Bangkok and ordered some stuff on-line.  It came fine but my plans have changed a bit.  I purchased a sleeping bag, thinking I would do car type camping but now I think I would rather do back packing instead.  The sleeping bag I purchased was this:  Kelty Tuck 0 Degree Sleeping bag and it would be fine for car camping but the rascal is pretty heavy at more than 6 1/2 pounds.  It was on sale and I bought it in late December.  Can I exchange it or return it or consign it to the USED GEAR category and purchase another of lighter weight? I would hate to have to either carry this heavy bag or purchase an additional bag. But whatever the policy, you guys are great - keep up the good work and hopefully I can get my butt out of Thailand soon.   ... View more